Conficker Worm FAQ

Conficker worm FAQ

In
response to increased media coverage regarding the Conficker worm,
Computing and Communications has prepared the following
mini-FAQ:

Q: What is the Conficker
worm?

A:
Conficker, aka downandup, is a computer worm capable of infecting
Microsoft Windows PCs which are missing critical Microsoft Updates
and lacking antivirus software. It can spread via both network
connections and infected USB keys, and has been reported by some as
having an as yet unknown payload that will execute April 1'st. In
other words there is a concern that this “worm” plans
to conduct some coordinated negative activity on April
1st.

Q: What precautions need I take against the
Conficker worm?

A:
The best protection against all Windows viruses, trojans, and worms
- including currently known Conficker variants - is to ensure all
Microsoft Updates are installed, and to run up-to-date antivirus
software. Instructions for installing Microsoft Updates can be
found at

As
installed by Computing and Communications, McAfee antivirus is
configured to auto-update daily, however you can verify that your
McAfee installation is up to date by taking the following
steps:

Click “Start”

Click “All programs”

Click on “McAfee”

Click on “VirusScan Console”

Click on “MUNAutoupdate”

Click on Update Now

Instructions for keeping your antivirus up-to-date will vary by
vendor. Users of other antivirus products are encouraged to visit
their vendors' websites for details.

Q: That's it? Isn't this a more serious
threat?

A:
There's no question that Conficker is a highly pernicious worm that
has infected millions of unprotected computers. The fact of the
matter however, is Conficker is only one of *several hundred* new
viruses, trojans, and worms released daily. Users with up-to-date
antivirus and Microsoft Updates should fare OK, while those without
are probably at greater risk from the several hundred thousand
other pieces of malware already in the wild. This is not to make
light of Conficker; rather, it is to stress that clients need to
take appropriate security precautions every day, not just when some
particular threat gets media attention.

Q: Where can I go for further information
regarding the Conficker worm?

A:
The Canadian Internet Registration Authority has posted a
comprehensive FAQ